MDP's Pickup Rally: "If the two elections are merged, the government will have no reason to listen to the voice of the people"

Former Member of Parliament Mohamed Raee has stated that if the two elections are held concurrently, the government would have no reason to listen to the voices of the people.

He made these remarks while speaking at a "pickup rally" organized by the MDP. During his speech, Raee expressed his opposition to the proposal of holding the presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously.

Raee stated that from the very beginning, the government has ignored the voices of the people and continues to marginalize them. Furthermore, he noted that the government is currently issuing numerous jobs in anticipation of the upcoming council elections. Raee highlighted that over the past 10 days, more than 300 employees were hired by MTCC across the Maldives, with each individual expected to receive a minimum salary of MVR 10,000. He claimed that these actions are being carried out at the behest of members belonging to the ruling PNC in an effort to secure a second term for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

"They are resorting to deceitful tactics in their pursuit of a second term. If the presidential and parliamentary elections are held concurrently, the current members of parliament—those who have remained silent—will continue to impose their will upon the people. We must not allow this opportunity to be granted to them," he said.

Further, speaking at a street rally, MDP National Congress member Mohamed Ihusan characterized the proposed referendum as a scam. He noted that the true nature of such scams often only becomes apparent after it is too late. Ihusan explained that this is why the MDP is working to provide the public with comprehensive information regarding the vote. He emphasized that any referendum should only be conducted after citizens have been fully informed about the matter.

"PSM's responsibility is to provide the public with the most appropriate and relevant information. However, when the MDP approached PSM today, they admitted that their actions thus far have been improper. It is only now, with just two weeks remaining until the election and well past the legally mandated timeframe, that they have come to this realization," Ihusan said.

Ihsan stated that in a presidential system, the ultimate power resides with the people. He further noted that any vote cast in a manner that disregards or diminishes the voice of the citizens cannot be considered a vote in their best interest.